The foreign registration card was changed from June lst, 2005. Recently, cases in which these cards have been forged with the help of a computer, have increased, and therefore the Ministry of Justice changed the design of the card to prevent it from being copied or forged. The size of the card and range of registered items remain the same. This procedure is carried out at the foreign registration counter of your local government office, however the card is produced at the Immigration Office.

Next, I'll explain about the basic process of foreign registration.

1. Foreigners are required to register as a foreigner within 90 days after he/she lands in Japan, or within 60 days after he/she was born in Japan. However, registration is not required should the foreigner leave Japan within 90 days of entering the country.

2. When a foreigner originally registers him or herself at their local government office, documents including an application form (obtainable at the local office), passport and two pictures (face only) are necessary. In case the applicants cannot for some reason make an application by themselves, there is some possibility that a representative may act on their behalf and apply in their place.

3. If you move, change your residency status, or renew the duration of your stay, etc., you will need to apply for a change to your foreign registration. Please be aware that this procedure is normally required to be carried out within 14 days of the event in question.